Building a Better Bradford

The study area for this planning process includes the City of Bradford, Foster Township and Bradford Township. The overriding goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the people living in all three municipalities. It has become increasingly clear through the interview and fact-finding activities that the downtown core of the City of Bradford is the primary center of the entire region, and the greatest amount of work, as well as the greatest amount of potential, lies in this location.

This regional strategy includes proposals for economic development, zoning, tourism and community development for the whole study area, but it is notable that the majority of the “bricks and mortar” proposals are about improving the center of town. There are architectural improvements to be made elsewhere, but the necessity for a strong and healthy downtown as an anchor is of vital importance for the quality of life of the Bradford Community.
The primary objectives that have been identified below are divided into six strategies. It should not be surprising that in such a multi-disciplinary effort there are objectives and actions which could be placed under multiple strategies. The groups below attempt to combine goals that make sense as a group of tasks to be overseen by the same committee.

Economic Development

Exploit identified industry clusters in order to enhance and support a sustainable
and competitive local economy.

Capitalize on regional retail gap opportunities to help grow the local economy
Provide lifelong learning and skill development opportunities that will lead to a
world-class regional workforce.

Support and foster new industry, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Housing

Improve the quality, availability and diversity of housing options in Bradford for
homeowners and renters in both market rate and low-income housing.